Proton’s first ever EMAS EV Car Launch in Malaysia – Full Insights.

Proton has launched a new sub-brand and logo registered to signify a greener future for their vehicular models following their plans moving forward.

Proton e.MAS, what does it mean?

The naming scheme of the new EV sub-brand, e.MAS, is a combination of the words “electric” and “Malaysia”, not to be confused with the direct literature term gold “emas”. The “e” symbolises electric whilst “MAS” for Malaysia moved by Malaysia’s strong leadership towards providing electric mobility stated by Proton chief designer Azlan Othman. The logo for the sub brand has also been unveiled demonstrating an “uncaged” design depicting that the tiger’s head is held high following its stride towards success in the future.

5 New Models to come from Proton’s GMA

During the launch of Proton’s own EV branding name, e.MAS. It was unveiled that the national carmaker is focusing on a Global Modular Architecture (GMA) for five models accompanied by a statement from Proton’s CEO Li Chunrong stating, “These models are designed to be manufactured in Malaysia for the local market and global exports”. PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle) and BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) are also to be included within the models under the GMA model

First few images of the Upcoming Proton EV (Geely Galaxy E5)

Presumably, the silhouette that is on the cover page of the already concluded campaign for Proton’s EV brand name back in May 2024 is that of the Geely Galaxy (Yinhe) E5 that was introduced by Geely.The rear end highlighted by Proton during its launching of e.MAS sub-brand name also strikes a high similarity to the tailgate of the speculated Geely Galaxy E5.

In this case, it strongly points toward the ongoing active partnership between Proton and Geely with the existence of vehicles brought in by Proton such as the X50, X70, and X90 which are all existing models from Geely, leveraged and customized accordingly to suit Proton in favor of Malaysians suggesting that it is entirely possible that the upcoming EV model such as the Geely Galaxy (Yinhe) E5 could be brought into Malaysia with the exception that Proton has stated that the upcoming EV model will be a co-developed effort between them and Geely.

Amazing Technology to Debut with Upcoming Proton’s EV.

With rumours regarding Proton’s first e.Mas model to debut is basing off the Geely Galaxy (Yinhe) E5. Let’s look at the technology that could be cross-implemented in the upcoming Proton EV. GEA (Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture) combines four aspects of the vehicle which are the “hardware, system, ecology and AI”.

Geely Auto Group CEO, Mr Gan Jiayue, has stated that the intelligent technology implemented in Yinhe’s new energy product series, starting with the Starship marks every new Yinhe vehicle entry into the AI era”. The model is derived from SEA (Scalable Experience Architecture) and is present in most of Geely’s groups of carmakers such as Volvo, Polestar and Zeeker.

Amongst the technologies that are speculated debuting with the upcoming EV:

• Integration of AI with Geely’s proprietary chassis technology enables a swift chassis reaction time of 4 milliseconds, ensuring the user’s proactive prevention of error of control.
• The electric drive motor and battery system introduced as 11-in-1 intelligent electric drive are also upheld to high standards earning Geely the first “5A-level certification for electric drive assembly” due to it being the lightest, smallest and most efficient intelligent electric drive in the industry
• The efficiency of the system is of 90.04% under CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle)
• A global highest thermal efficiency powertrain of 46%

Performance Specifications

Following specifications outed by CarNewsChina which fills in a report under China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) indicate that Geely is offering the Galaxy E5 with a single motor setup with the following specifications:

• Maximum power output of 218 PS (215 hp or 160kW)
• Drag coefficient of CD 0.269, in which Geely claims to have achieved through 24 drag reductions following tweaks to the design of the car resulting in a decrease of 0.141 to the drag coefficient increasing its cruising range up to 77.6km
• Top speed of 175 km/h

Battery Type and BMS (Battery Management System) Technology

With Geely introducing the E5 to be equipped as an EV, the battery is known to be of a lithium iron phosphate battery type which is supplied by SVOLT Energy Technologies Co.Ltd. However, the battery uses proprietary self-developed technology from Geely namely the Aegis short knife lithium iron phosphate batteries. 

The battery size configurations that are set to launch with the Geely E5 will come in :

• Battery size 49.52 kWh with driving range of 440 km
• Battery size 60.22 kWh with driving range of 530 km

Geely has claimed that the Aegis short knife battery is entirely safe while being vocal that it protects against direct impacts in scenarios in which a crash would be involved. The giant car brand maker is working in tandem with Wise Star Cloud Connected Central Computing System which allows the Aegis to predict accurately and pre-empt thermal runaways and situations like it to which Geely states directly contributes to an increase of 20% battery life.

Why Lithium-Ion Phosphate (LiFeP04) over NMC is better for your next EV!

• Safety: The material structure is stable and safe with less likelihood of thermal runaway for the batteries to catch fire compared to NMC.
• Longevity:  Degradation of LiFeP04 is much slower with a battery discharge cycle of 2500 before its longevity is brought down to 80% as compared to 1000 for NMC.
• Environmentally greener: LifeP04 battery does not require as much scarcer resources such as cobalt which is much more expensive in NMC.
• Cost: The technology advancement within the years of 2020 and above has brought the ceiling price of LiFeP04 batteries lower, enabling manufacturers to consider most newer EV models to be equipped with LiFeP04 whilst also reducing the pricing structure.

Comparison between types of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Dimensions of Geely E5 and Comparisons.

The dimensions of the Geely E5 is measured to be 4615 mm long, 1901 mm wide, 1670 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2750mm.  Comparing its size to another vehicle such as the Proton X50 measuring 4330 mm long,1800 mm wide,1609 mm tall, and wheelbase of 2600 mm,the Geely E5 is bigger. Albeit when measured next to a Tesla Model Y, the Geely E5 remains as the smaller car.

Specification and Range (CLTC) Comparison of Geely Galaxy E5.

Why are the ranges changing? (CLTC and WLTP)

Now you might be scratching your head wondering why there’s a difference in range for standardized tests for drive cycles when comparing CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) and WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure). A drive cycle is a series of speed versus time that replicate real-world driving conditions. Simulation of different driving conditions such as in the city or the highway. The differences between the two are as shown below.

Single Motor or Dual Motor? What’s the difference?

In the event of factoring whether a single motor or dual motor is sufficient for your needs, one needs to take account of multiple aspects of the vehicle’s performance that is derived from having a single or dual motor configuration. The novelty of efficiency can be considered through:

• Number and type of motors
• Powertrain configuration 
• Transmission Type (variable speed)
• Gear ratio
• Driving Modes

However, in a real-life scenario the results is also dependant on the driving behavioural of the driver that is behind the wheels and may share different scenarios. Thus, the efficiency is also dependent on the volume of traffic.

Modern Interior design and features of the Geely E5

The insides of the Geely E5 are inspired by elements of waves or water that are on the centre console and dashboard. The patterned chairs of the Geely Galaxy E5 is reminiscent of that of traditional Chinese wooden chair designs.

• A wireless charging pad is also present rated at 50W.
•  The centre screen of 15.4 inches and is powered through FlyMe OS Auto operating system powered by a joint venture development chip, Dragon Eagle-1, from SiEngine.
•  Bottomed out steering wheel with controls
• Instrument LCD panel with a heads-up display.
• The E5 can receive (OTA) over-the-air updates so that the driving experience is up to date.

Launch dates of Proton’s first EV model

As specified during the launching of the naming sub-brand of its EV series. It Is currently known that nearing the end of this year in December will be the unveiling of the EV model collaboration with Geely. However, sales will start to open in early 2025 with an estimated price range:

• RM 98,000 to RM 130,000 following models of extended range.

Network of Outlet Targets of Proton by 2024

Proton has already been targeted to have 20 outlets of Proton EV dealers by the end of this year covering the network model of EV Centre (3S) and EV space (1S) as stated by Proton’s Senior Director of Corporate Strategy.

Conclusion

The introduction of the naming scheme for Proton’s sub-brand has been nothing less than exciting following with the shared competition from Perodua’s own EV model hinted at earlier in May, the race to be the first national carmaker in Malaysia to sell electric vehicles is in hot pursuit.  The hints that were left for us to make due diligence open a surprising amount of detail of what could be Proton’s next EV in the making for Malaysia. Do you share an interest in owning an EV soon with all the news coming up?